Eco-house seeks planning permission in Leicestershire

A trainee architect has designed an eco-house which he hopes to build in the Leicestershire countryside.

The design is a system of infinite recycling which aims to create waste free systems. Such a project has never before been attempted in the UK.

The eco-house design, known as Windy Slopes, is the result of almost two years' development and is currently awaiting planning permission.

If approved by the local town council, the house will be built near Market Harborough in rural Leicestershire. Pending approval, it is hoped that construction will commence early in 2014.

Windy Slopes has been designed as the family home.

"It has long been my family's dream to downsize to a home where we can live, work and care for our horses all in one beautiful location," explains Greg.

"The design is inspired by the rural churches of the neighbouring villages and traditional L-plan farmhouses, acknowledging the heritage of Welland Valley through its form and use of materials."

Greg hopes that his zero-carbon family home will also help to inspire others.

"It is almost impossible to overstress the importance of what is being proposed, not so much because of what Windy Slopes is, but in terms of the legacy it could leave behind," he comments.

Joe Welch of chartered surveyors and estate agency Andrew Granger & Co, who has acted as planning consultant to Greg throughout the project, is impressed by the proposals and the design's eco credentials.

"The design is a great example of how modern architecture can take inspiration from local architecture," he comments.